scorn
skawn
Scorn (verb) means to feel or show strong contempt for someone or something. Example: “He scorned the offer, calling it an insult.”
verb
1
To feel or show strong contempt for someone or something.
"He scorned the offer, calling it an insult."
"Critics scorned the film as lazy and derivative."
noun
1
A feeling or display of contempt.
"She looked at the proposal with obvious scorn."
How to use scorn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strong, often visible form of contempt — more intense than mere disapproval.
Common pairings
pour scorn on
treat with scorn
scorn an offer
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Word forms
- Plural
- scorns
- Third person singular
- scorns
- Past tense
- scorned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ the offer, calling it an insult.
Etymology
From Old French escharnir, ultimately traced to a Germanic root connected to mockery or ridicule; possibly related to a separate root meaning "to shear" or "cut."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for scorn
See all rhymes for scorn →Frequently asked questions
What does “scorn” mean?
The word “scorn” means to feel or show strong contempt for someone or something. In plain terms, a strong, often visible form of contempt — more intense than mere disapproval.
How do you pronounce “scorn”?
“Scorn” is pronounced skawn (/skɔɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “scorn” in a sentence?
Here is “scorn” used in a sentence: “He scorned the offer, calling it an insult.”
What part of speech is “scorn”?
Depending on how it is used, “scorn” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scorn” come from?
The word “scorn” comes from Old French. From Old French escharnir, ultimately traced to a Germanic root connected to mockery or ridicule; possibly related to a separate root meaning "to shear" or "cut.".
Is “scorn” a common word?
“Scorn” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “scorn” have?
“Scorn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to feel or show strong contempt for someone or something.
